(Ultimately, Sky wound up buying himself a really nice computer for a really nice price - and giving (or allowing) Joshua the use of his old one (running Windows Vista - blah). Eventually, we'll upgrade it - but right now it isn't a necessary expense.)
So, here's my reasoning: At this age there was no way in heck I'd have let Justin have a computer. But, Justin is 14 and Tyler is 12, and Joshua uses a computer at school. Between his brothers and school - he has the skills to appropriately use and get knowledge and entertainment from computers at 7 where Justin didn't have this until he was several years older. I'd say Justin was either 12 or 13 when he got his laptop and it wasn't until then that he began using a computer at home. It all boils down to experience. At 7 years of age - Joshua - has a lot of it!
Prior to getting Sky's old one I had helped Joshua start a blog of his very own. As for setting it up - he was an active participant, though mostly watching. But, I did explain the steps I was taking using appropriate computer terms. I know when he hears those terms again - he'll have a better understanding than those hearing the terms for the first time. I did allow him to choose his background from a third party website and we created a separate page for a video he wanted to include on his blog. We also uploaded pic's of the family. But, the most important part - at his age - is writing the posts. So, when it came time for that - it was all him. He knows how to create posts on his own now without me having to open the post for him. Also, I will sit with him when he types and I make sure he uses the appropriate hand (we're not at the point of using the correct fingers - he still pecks with 1 finger). I will tap my right hand and indicate on the table I'm tapping where the letter he's looking for is, also indicating if it's on the top, middle, or bottom row by tapping further across from me or closer to my body. It works and he's getting faster. Soon, I feel he'll get a lot of use from a typing program. Right now I feel his hands are too little, his fingers too short. At any rate, his blog is private - so if any family or friends want to see it just comment on this post or send me an email.
For the sake of creating a blog I did have to lie about his age while in the process of setting up a Google account. I do not make a habit of this as I will not lie for him to have a facebook or twitter account. I didn't allow Justin to lie, I haven't allowed Tyler to create an account yet by lying. Social media is different - like movie ratings - I believe the age requirements were put in place for a reason - and I happen to agree with them. But, there is so much Joshua can learn by blogging - about computers, typing, writing, content, etc.
Anyway, once he got a hold of Sky's computer I 'set it up' appropriately for a 7/8 year old. I did uninstall McAfee and installed Avast (I recommend this for every one - and if your computer comes with Norton, I recommend uninstalling it AND Symantec - two separate programs). Then, I found him a great homepage called Student News Net. It's designed for 3rd to 5th graders - and Tyler has asked me to set it up for him as well. I showed him around his homepage and features that he can learn from and interact with. (Update: Apparently to view content - full articles and such - Student News Net is not free. So, we have changed his homepage to Scholastic new - which is free OR you can buy a subscription for more content - what they offer free of charge is perfect for Joshua. We recently read an article together about a man getting ready to cross the Atlantic in a boat strung up by helium balloons - think Disney's Up! Very interesting.) I set up favorites along the tool/nav bar. So far they include my blog, his blog, Mine Craft - though he'll access that through the desk top, Hillcrest's PTO fun links page (math, reading, science links), and Starfall - to start. I showed him how to use the favorites and the links from the PTO page.
I then updated the desk top with Mine Craft and Storia (check it out from Scholastic.com). And, finally - I configured the Windows Mail (for his gmail - which I prefer since it's located right on the desk top and you don't have to open internet explorer to access it) and set up contacts for him (clearing out all old contacts). Then, I showed him how to use email and we sent 'test' emails to one another. He has about 7 contacts: me, his dad, his brothers, his MiMaw, his teacher and the school secretary (for absences). Yes, I'll have him send emails regarding being home sick, etc. - but I will follow up in my own email or with a phone call - I am teaching him responsibility. Justin, at the middle school, and now high school levels, has been and is responsible for emailing his teachers during absences and requesting homework, to which they reply and he can remain on par with his class.
So, I think if the parent is involved in teaching computer skills (and he does have to ask me if he can use the computer - he doesn't have free access to it) and continuously monitoring computer usage - it is appropriate. But, as in all things the parent must determine if the child is actually ready for that particular skill, be it electronic devices or skateboarding, for example.
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